Personal loan is a 1-5 year unsecured loan given by banks, NBFC’s (Non Banking Finance Companies) or P2P lending platforms without asking for any collateral, guarantor or hypothecation of any assets. The ultimate usage of a personal loan is left to the discretion of the borrower. In our experience, the borrowers generally use a personal loan for debt consolidation, repaying high cost debt, meeting any family or medical emergency, wedding, vacations, home renovation, rental deposits, business needs for an SME, buying certain assets etc.

Loan eligibility is dependent on primarily the following factors: The company where you work. Every bank has a list of companies running into thousands which they have categorised into segments like A, B, C etc depending on the credentials and financials of your employer. The higher the category the higher is the loan eligibility chances. Quantum of loans and credit card outstanding that you already have. Typically a bank will not give a loan if the total EMI obligation (including the current personal loan that your are trying to apply for) exceeds 50-75% of your total net take home salary. Your gross/net salary Your credit score as reflected in your CIBIL or Equifax report. Having a good credit score is a necessary but not a sufficient criteria.

Some banks like Bajaj Finserv, Axis, Citibank etc allow part payment. However, there can be restriction on how many times in a year you can part pay and the minimum and maximum amount that you part pay. Again, please ask for clarifications to our or the banks’ loan advisor on all these factors before signing the loan document.